Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      England route to Euro 2024 final: Who could the Three Lions play in the Round of 16?

      by

      ENGLAND will be aiming to put an end to their near 58-year wait for a trophy at Euro 2024 this summer.Gareth Southgate’s side will be hoping they can go one better than the Wembley heartbreak of Euro 2020.England are favourites heading into Euro 2024Credit: REUTERSThe England gaffer left some regulars out of his 26-man squad, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish not on the plane to Germany.Southgate has opted for some new names this summer as he aims to be the man to guide the Three Lions to their first tournament win since the 1966 World Cup.SunSport details every scenario of how football can, in fact, come home…England’s route to Euro 2024 finalFirst up for England in Germany will be taking on the three other teams in Group C:READ MORE IN EURO 2024Sunday, June 16 – Group C: Serbia vs England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – kick-off 8pm BST, BBC)Thursday, June 20 – Group C: Denmark vs England (Waldstadion, Frankfurt – kick-off 5pm BST, BBC)Tuesday, June 25 – Group C: England vs Slovenia (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – kick-off 8pm BST, ITV)Who can England play in the Round of 16?Should the Three Lions make it out of the group, here are their three scenarios:Most read in Euro 2024If England finish top of Group CSunday, June 30 – England vs third-placed side in Group D/E/F (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – 5pm BST kick-off)If England finish runner-up in Group CSaturday, June 29 – England vs Group A winners (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund – 8pm BST kick-off)If England finish as one of four best third-place teamsOne of:Monday, July 1 – Group F winner vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C (Waldstadion, Frankfurt)Tuesday, July 2 – Group E winner vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C/D (Allianz Arena, Munich)EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSWho can England play in the Quarter-finals?*Key: 1A = top of Group A, 2A = runner-up in Group A, 3A = 3rd in Group AIf England finish top of Group C and win their round of 16 gameSaturday, July 6 (Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf – 5pm BST kick-off) – England vs winner of 2A vs 2B If England finish runner-up in Group C and win their round of 16 gameFriday, July 5 (MHPArena, Stuttgart – 5pm BST kick-off) – England vs winner of 1B vs 3A/D/E/FIf England finish as one of four best third-place teams and win their round of 16 gameOne of:Friday, July 5 (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg – 8pm BST kick-off) – England vs Winner of 2D vs 2E Saturday, July 6 (Olympiastadion, Berlin – 8pm BST kick-off) – England vs winner of 1D vs 2FSemi-finalsIf England finish top of Group C, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalWednesday, July 10 – kick-off 8pm BST (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund) – England vs Berlin quarter-final winner.If England finish runner-up in Group C, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalTuesday, July 9 – kick-off 8pm BST (Allianz Arena, Munich) – England vs Hamburg quarter-final winnerIf England finish as one of four best third-place teams, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalOne of:Tuesday, July 9 – kick-off 8pm BST (Allianz Arena, Munich) – England vs Stuttgart quarter-final winnerWednesday, July 10 – kick-off 8pm BST (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund) – England vs Dusseldorf quarter-final winner.FinalSunday, July 14 – kick-off 8pm BST (Olympiastadion, Berlin) – Berlin semi-final winner vs Dusseldorf semi-final winnerREAD MORE SUN STORIESPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      Who’s in England’s 26-man squad?Here is the Three Lions’ squad for Euro 2024:1 Jordan Pickford2 Kyle Walker 3 Luke Shaw4 Declan Rice5 John Stones6 Marc Guéhi7 Bukayo Saka8 Trent Alexander-Arnold9 Harry Kane10 Jude Bellingham11 Phil Foden12 Kieran Trippier13 Aaron Ramsdale14 Ezri Konsa15 Lewis Dunk16 Conor Gallagher17 Ivan Toney18 Anthony Gordon19 Ollie Watkins20 Jarrod Bowen21 Eberechi Eze22 Joe Gomez23 Dean Henderson24 Cole Palmer25 Adam Wharton26 Kobbie Mainoo More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Ivan Kruzliak? Meet the Slovakian referee officiating at Euro 2024

      by

      IVAN Kruzliak is a top referee who usually plies his trade in the Slovakian top division.He has been selected to officiate at Euro 2024 — here’s everything you need to know about him.Throughout his officiating career Ivan Kruzliak averages 0.27 red cards per gameCredit: PAWho is Ivan Kruzliak?Ivan Kruzliak was born in Bratislava, Slovakia on March 24, 1984.Although he started refereeing in 2005 in his early twenties, Kruzliak didn’t become a Fifa official until 20011.He made his first league appearance on August 15, 2009 when he took charge of the Slovak top tier clash between Spartak Trnava and MFK Košice, with Spartak eventually coming out on top with a scoreline of 5-4.During his debut Kruzliak handed out five yellow cards, which is in-keeping with his average throughout his career of 4.75 yellow cards per game.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He also averages 0.27 red cards and 0.2 penalties every match.Has Ivan Kruzliak officiated at major tournaments before?Although Kruzliak is 40, he has not yet refereed the finals of a major international tournament before.That said, he has experience officiating World Cup qualifiers, having looked after seven matches between 2012 and 2021 — including England’s 4-0 victory over Moldova in September 2013.Kruzliak has also taken charge of 16 Champions League matches from 2017 to 2023, all of them in the group stage.Most read in Euro 2024What else has Ivan Kruzliak done before?Kruzliak dished out a whopping seven yellow cards to Celtic in their Europa League intermediate stage second leg tie with Inter Milan at the San Siro — two of which were given to Virgil Van Dyke, who was sent off for two bookable offences. The Hoops were slapped with disciplinary action following the game in February 2015 because the team received more than five yellow cards.Then Celtic manager Ronny Delia slaughtered the ref’s display in his post-match comments, with attacking midfielder Kris Commons caught berating him on camera.In August 2017, Krusliak took charge of the Europa League game between Everton and Hajduk Split, which descended into scenes of chaos.He had to lead both sets of players into the Goodison Park dugouts after chaos broke out among the travelling Croatian support in the 32nd minute.Seats were torn out, missiles were launched at home fans and onto the pitch, and shocking footage showed one yob swinging a punch at a Goodison Park steward.The unruly travelling support also kicked down advertising boards and some streamed on to the field.Gareth Southgate reveals axed England star who could STILL play in Euro 2024 and face Iceland at WembleyHas Ivan Kruzliak used VAR before?VAR was introduced into the Slovak first division for the 2021-22 season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis came a few years after the technology was incorporated into the Premier League for the 2018-19 season.Kruzlaik has reffed 41 games in the league since then, so he will know how to handle any VAR decisions during Euro 2024.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More

    • 113 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      What are the England squad numbers for Euro 2024?

      by

      ENGLAND will be hoping to finally secure their first trophy since 1966 at Euro 2024 this summer.Gareth Southgate has left a few big names out of his 26-man squad for the huge tournament in Germany.Harry Maguire wasn’t deemed fit enough to make the list after battling a calf injury in recent weeks.Southgate has also opted not to select Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, with the England gaffer preferring the options of Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen for this summer’s tournament.The Three Lions begin Euro 2024 with a Group C clash against Serbia on Sunday, June 16.SunSport has the all-important shirt numbers ahead of this summer’s tournament in Germany.READ MORE IN EURO 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEngland squad numbersHere are the Three Lions’ squad numbers for Euro 2024:1 Jordan Pickford2 Kyle Walker 3 Luke Shaw4 Declan Rice5 John Stones6 Marc Guéhi7 Bukayo Saka8 Trent Alexander-Arnold9 Harry Kane10 Jude Bellingham11 Phil Foden12 Kieran Trippier13 Aaron Ramsdale14 Ezri Konsa15 Lewis Dunk16 Conor Gallagher17 Ivan Toney18 Anthony Gordon19 Ollie Watkins20 Jarrod Bowen21 Eberechi Eze22 Joe Gomez23 Dean Henderson24 Cole Palmer25 Adam Wharton26 Kobbie MainooFULL England fixture list at Euro 2024Sunday, June 16 – Group C: Serbia vs England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – kick-off 8pm BST, BBC)Thursday, June 20 – Group C: Denmark vs England (Waldstadion, Frankfurt – kick-off 5pm BST, BBC)Most read in Euro 2024Tuesday, June 25 – Group C: England vs Slovenia (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – kick-off 8pm BST, ITV)Round of 16If England finish top of Group CSunday, June 30: Group C winners vs third-placed side in Group D/E/F (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen)If England finish runner-up in Group CSaturday, June 29 – Group A winners vs Group C runners-up (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)If England finish as one of four best third-place teamsOne of:Monday, July 1 – Group F winner vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C (Waldstadion, Frankfurt)Tuesday, July 2 – Group E winners vs third-placed side from Group A/B/C/D (Allianz Arena, Munich)Quarter-finalsIf England finish top of Group C and win their round of 16 gameSaturday, July 6 (Merkur Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf)If England finish runner-up in Group C and win their round of 16 gameFriday, July 5 (MHPArena, Stuttgart)If England finish as one of four best third-place teams and win their round of 16 gameOne of:Friday, July 5 (Volksparkstadion, Hamburg)Saturday, July 6 (Olympiastadion, Berlin)Semi-finalsIf England finish top of Group C, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalWednesday, July 10 – kick-off 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)If England finish runner-up in Group C, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalTuesday, July 9 – kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)If England finish as one of four best third-place teams, win their round of 16 game and win the quarter-finalOne ofTuesday, July 9 – kick-off 8pm (Allianz Arena, Munich)READ MORE SUN STORIESWednesday, July 10 – kick-off 8pm (Westfalenstadion, Dortmund)FinalSunday, July 14 – kick-off 8pm (Olympiastadion, Berlin)PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Soccer Aid 2024: Line-ups, TV channel, kick off time and FREE stream as England look to end torrid run against World XI

      by

      SOCCER AID is back TOMORROW with the huge charity match returning to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2019.That match – won by the World XI 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw – sparked a five-game winning run for the visiting stars.Eden Hazard has signed up for Soccer Aid and Mauricio Pochettino is back at Stamford BridgeEngland will be desperate to win the charity game for the first time since 2018 and even have a new manager in the dugout to help them.Frank Lampard is back for a third spell in charge at Stamford Bridge, only this time he has swapped the likes of Raheem Sterling and Conor Gallagher for Robbie Williams and Bobby Brazier.There could also be some potential awkwardness on the World XI bench – Mauricio Pochettino is charge for the second consecutive year just weeks after he left Chelsea.Here’s everything you need to know about Soccer Aid 2024.READ MORE ON SOCCER AIDWho is playing at Soccer Aid 2024?Plenty of football legends and celebrities have already confirmed they will be playing in the charity match. Although the squads may be subject to change, due to injury for example, this is how they are shaping up at the moment:England: Frank Lampard (Co-Manager), Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager), Take That singer Robbie Williams (Co-Manager), Lionesses star Jill Scott (Captain), TV host Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper), footie ace David James (Professional Goalkeeper), former Arsenal keeper David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach), footballers Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, and Joe Cole, TV pundit and ex-footballer Karen Carney, footballer Gary Cahill, singerTom Grennan, Dragons’ Den’s Steven Bartlett, actress Erin Doherty, Olympic champ Sir Mo Farah, comedian Alex Brooker, former cricketer Stuart Broad, EastEnders star Bobby Brazier, Jungle King Sam Thompson, footie star Ellen White, footballer Theo Walcott, actor Danny Dyer, YouTuber Miniminter, sports promoter Eddie Hearn, former hockey star Sam Quek, and Night Manager actor Tom Hiddleston.World XI: Mauricio Pochettino (Manager), Jesus Perez (Coach), Olympic star Usain Bolt (Captain), former Chelsea star Eden Hazard, footballer Roberto Carlos, Line Of Duty actor Martin Compston, comedian Maisie Adam, One Show host Roman Kemp, 1% Club presenter Lee Mack, boxer Tommy Fury, Gladiator Diamond, footballers Michael Essien, and Patrice Evra, former Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, funnyman Jason Manford, footie ace John Obi Mikel, footballer Kaylyn Kyle, YouTuber Theo Baker, boxer Tony Bellew, footballer Alessandro Del Piero, actor Emmett J Scanlan, Spain footballer Olga Garcia, and France footballer Kheira Hamraoui.Most read in FootballSidemen star Billy Wingrove is also taking part as soccer and skills coach for both sides.When is Soccer Aid 2024?Soccer Aid takes place on Sunday, June 9, 2024.’I’m not playing anymore’ – Gary Neville reveals why he won’t play in Soccer Aid again after ‘shocking’ eventsKick-off will be at 7.30pm BST.The match, which was held at Old Trafford in 2024, has moved back to Chelsea’s home, Stamford Bridge – the first time it has been held in SW6 since 2019.General admission tickets have all sold out.England will also wear a special kit that replicates the Three Lions’ outfit from Euro 96.Where can I watch Soccer Aid 2024?Soccer Aid will once again be shown for FREE live on ITV1 (England and Wales) and STV (Scotland).It can also be streamed online with ITVX.Unicef ambassador Dermot O’Leary and England and Arsenal legend Alex Scott will present the programme, with Sam Matterface on lead commentary and comedian Iain Sterling on co-comms.There will also be a full half-time show.How much has Soccer Aid raised for Unicef?The charity football match is the biggest in the world and since 2006 has raised more than £90million in total for global children’s charity Unicef.The 2023 tournament was the most successful on record, raising a record-breaking £14.6m.What’s been said?England manager Frank Lampard said: “Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Stamford Bridge is special – for any player, on any occasion.”I’m excited to be doing that again – this time with Soccer Aid for Unicef.”Managing the Soccer Aid England team with Harry [Redknapp] will be a proud moment and great fun – but the main focus is rightly on the millions of pounds we can all raise together.”Frank Lampard will be back in the Chelsea dugout – this time as manager of England at Soccer Aid on June 9Chelsea legend Eden Hazard said: “My Chelsea family – I am coming home on June 9!”I can’t wait to see you all again. Playing at Stamford Bridge was always amazing. “We won so many trophies together there. “Some of the very best memories I have in football – seven brilliant years. I miss them.”As I enter a new chapter, we can write new history with Soccer Aid for Unicef. “Together, we can and will raise millions of pounds for children across the world.”Soccer Aid statsSOCCER AID has been played since 2006.
      It was founded by Robbie Williams and his pal Jonathan Wilkes.
      It started out as a biennial event but since 2018 it has been played every year.
      The match is between England and a World XI.

      I’m a Celeb winner Sam Thompson said: “From watching Chelsea in the stands throughout my life, to walking out at Stamford Bridge and playing in front of thousands of fans.”As pretty much everyone knows, I am a massive Chelsea fan, so I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. “I know everyone must say this – but this is my actual dream coming true.”I live around the corner from Stamford Bridge and have been to so many Chelsea games over the years, watching my heroes – I can’t quite believe I’m about to play with some of them. “I mean Frank Lampard is a living legend and he’s my manager – it’s insane.READ MORE SUN STORIES”As you all know, I’m a pretty excitable character but this has put me on a new level.”This is a brilliant family day out which I am honoured to be part of.” More

    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Marco Guida? Meet the Italian referee officiating at Euro 2024

      by

      MARCO Guida is an elite level referee who usually plies his trade in Serie A.He has been selected to officiate at Euro 2024 — here’s everything you need to know about the Italian.Guida has averaged 4.41 yellow cards per game in his career so farCredit: GettyWho is Marco Guida?Marco Guida was born in Pompeii on June 7, 1981, and currently lives in Torre Annunziata, located on the gulf of Naples. Although he started refereeing in 1996 as a teenager, he didn’t become a Fifa official until 2014.He made his first league appearance on January 31, 2010 when he took charge of the Serie A clash between Chevio and Bologna, which ended in a 1-1 draw.During his debut, he only handed out one yellow card, while throughout his career so far Guida has averaged 4.41 yellow cards per game.READ MORE ON EURO 2024He also averages 0.24 red cards and 0.33 penalties every match.Has Marco Guida officiated at major tournaments before?Although Guida is 42, yet he has never refereed at a major international tournament.Despite this, he has impressed Uefa enough to be selected for Euro 2024 this summer.However, Guida was at the helm for two international friendlies last year — Slovenia v Northern Ireland and Austria v Sweden.Most read in Euro 2024England make their official Euros 2024 squad announcement He has also taken charge of five Champions League matches, the biggest of which being the quarter-final between Atletico and Dortmund on April 10, 2024, which the Spanish giants won 2-1.What else has Marco Guida done before?Aston Villa fans might not be too happy to hear that Guida has been selected to referee at Euro 2024.The Italian refereed the first leg of Villa’s 6-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Olympiakos in the Europa Conference League semi-final on May 2, 2024.A number of Villains supporters took to social media after the match to complain about Guida disallowing Leon Bailey’s first half goal — a decision held up by VAR.One posted: “Crazy, how was that ruled out?!”While another wrote: “Why didn’t VAR take a proper look at that?”And a third said: “Absolutely no idea why that’s been disallowed.”Has Marco Guida used VAR before?VAR was introduced into Serie A during the 2017-18 season — a year earlier than it was incorporated into the Premier League.READ MORE SUN STORIESOut of his 200 appearances in Italy’s top league, 80 have been since VAR’s introduction.So it’s fair to say that Guida is somewhat of a veteran of the technology.How England will line up after big names axed from Euros More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Boxing

      When is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson? NEW date CONFIRMED, ring-walk time, TV channel and live stream as boxing legend returns

      by

      MIKE TYSON will return to the ring for the first time since 2020 to face internet sensation Jake Paul – but it will be later than expected.The Problem Child overcame Ryan Bourland with a brutal first round knockout in back March.Jake Paul will take on Mike Tyson at a new dateCredit: @Netflix / XPaul has won his last three bouts since his defeat to Tommy Fury last February.The internet sensation will now face one of the greatest boxers of all time, with Mike Tyson set to return to the ring at the age of 58.Tyson’s last bout came in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr in 2020, of which Paul was on the undercard against former NBA player Nate Robinson.When is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson?
      Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson has been rescheduled for Friday, November 15.
      The fight was originally set for July 20 – but was moved back after Tyson’s health issues.
      The bout will be hosted at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
      READ MORE IN BOXINGWhy has Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson been postponed?Mike Tyson’s health issues mean he has had to put his training on hold.The former world champion suffered a medical emergency on board a flight in May as a result of an ulcer flare up.Netflix, who were set to show the fight, released a statement announcing the cancellation.It reads: “Unfortunately Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will not face-off on July 20 as planned. Tyson’s recent ulcer flare up has limited his ability to train fully for the next few weeks.Most read in Boxing”The fight will be rescheduled for a date later this year after Mike’s able to resume training with no limitations and both fighters can have equal time to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime matchup!”Tyson required medical assistance from paramedics on board a flight from Miami to LA.He felt nauseous and dizzy though his publicist said he was feeling “very good” after treatment.What TV channel is Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson on and can it be live streamed?
      Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix.
      It will be the streaming giant’s first venture into combat sports.
      Jake Paul confirmed on X that the bout with Mike Tyson will be available to all Netflix subscribers at no additional cost.
      What’s been said?On the announcement of the huge fight, Paul said: “It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. “Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons.”Within just two and a half years of founding MVP, we’re about to produce the biggest fight in history, a fight in the biggest NFL stadium in the US, broadcast live, on the biggest streaming platform in the world – a testament to all we’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time.”Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event.”Mike Tyson has also spoken about the fight with Paul on July 20, he said: “I started him on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones Jr and now I plan to finish him.” More

    • 100 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Daniele Orsato? Meet Euro 2024 referee

      by

      REFEREE Daniele Orsato is set to hang up his whistle at the end of Euro 2024.The vastly experienced referee, 48, took charge of his final Serie A match last month, receiving a standing ovation from Atalanta and Fiorentina fans – he also broke down in tears after his final Champions League game. Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced referees but will retire after Euro 2024Credit: GettyWho is Daniele Orsato?The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010, officiating 290 games before retiring.Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final and multiple semi-finals.Most read in sport He faced huge criticism from Croatian legend Luka Modric in the last World Cup.The Real Madrid star branded Orsata as “one of the worst” and said his performance was a “disaster” as Argentina beat Croatia in the sem-final.Modric said: “Argentina were a fair winner of the match, they were better, they deserved to win, but these things have to be mentioned, I generally don’t do them, but today they have to be done.”‘I don’t like to talk about referees, but this is one of the worst. I don’t have a good memory of [Orsato], he’s a disaster. For me it wasn’t a penalty.”Despite this, I don’t want to detract from Argentina. The penalty killed us. We have to recover for third place and win that match.” More

    • 138 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Michael Oliver? Premier League referee officiating at Euro 2024

      by

      PREMIER LEAGUE referee Michael Oliver is one of the English game’s most experienced officials.And he’ll be the man in the middle throughout Euro 2024 as one of the top refs in the game.English referee Michael Oliver will be in the middle at Euro 2024Who is Michael Oliver?Born in Ashington, Northumberland, , on February 20, 1985, Michael Oliver began refereeing at the age of 14 after being introduced to it by his father.By 2007 he had become the youngest referee to officiate at Wembley stadium when he whistled the Conference National play-off final.Oliver continued to break records becoming the youngest-ever Football League referee and youngest Premier League fourth official.In 2010, Oliver became the youngest ever Prem referee at the age of 25 years and 182 days old when he officiated Birmingham City’s game with Blackburn Rovers.READ MORE ON MICHAEL OLIVERHe is one of the most experienced referees in the Premier League having taken charge of 372 matches in the top flight.He was used as an official in both Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup and has officiated over 50 Champions League and Europa League matches.Oliver was also in charge for the 2018 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester United – which was notable for the absence of Prince William who was attending the wedding of his brother Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.He officiated again in the 2021 final in which Leicester defeated Chelsea.Most read in Euro 2020He has also taken charge of matches in the United Arab Emirates Pro League.In 2023 he officiated the game between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal for a reported £3,000.Italy football legend Marcello Lippi sympathises for Gianluigi Buffon after being sent off in final ever Champions League match by Michael Oliver In the 2023/2024 season, the referee came under huge scrutiny after failing to award Liverpool a penalty during the 1-1 draw with Man City at Anfield.He made headlines again in April 2024 over a penalty decision during a London derby between Arsenal and Spurs.In 2024, it was revealed he was one of the main referees at the Euros in Germany.His assistants have been named as Stuart Burt and Dan Cook.Full list of main referees at Euro 2024

      Michael Oliver (England)
      Anthony Taylor (England)
      Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
      Jesus Gil Manzano (Spain)
      Marco Guida (Italy)
      Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
      Ivan Kruzliak (Slovakia)
      Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
      Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
      Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
      Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
      Daniele Orsato (Italy)
      Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
      Daniel Siebert (Germany)
      Clement Turpin (France)
      Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
      Felix Zwayer (Germany)
      François Letexier (France)
      Facundo Tello (Argentina) More